I have encountered the best of Philippine hospitality, for which this country is widely known.
Last May 23, I was at the Dipolog Airport, on my way back to Manila, when a kind airport guard, whose family name was Manog-on (I was not able to get his first name), assisted me upon seeing that I, being a senior citizen, was so overwhelmed by all the long lines at the departure area.
Going the extra mile (beyond the call of duty), he helped me get a plane seat with comfortable leg room; he even helped me pack the two bottles of sardines which I had placed in my hand luggage; he found me a small box to securely pack the bottles to make sure they will not break in the plane’s baggage compartment. (Airport regulations require that sardines should be checked in even if these were just two bottles.)
I was not able to thank him, though, for what he did for me. He was right away gone, probably back to his normal duties. May his kind thrive! Hurrah to the Filipino spirit! Hurrah to Filipino hospitality!
By the way, Dipolog is known for making good sardines.
—ARTHUR BOQUER, boquera@yahoo.com